You can’t spell nutrition without “nut,” and we were truly excited to see the variety of better-for-you snacks and confections that were exhibited at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo. Due to last year’s cancellation, we were even more excited to return for the innovation, new spins on existing products and, of course, the taste testing.
The Indianapolis Convention Center was a mixed bag of excitement, indulgence and flavor combinations that suited walnuts perfectly, from trail mixes to chocolates to walnut butters. Here are a few products and companies that wowed us, in a nutshell:
Nutty Gourmet
For four generations, Nutty Gourmet’s family has been farming walnuts in California’s Central Valley, and they’re still reinventing themselves. Debuting new packaging at the Expo, the company’s Walnut Butter and flavored walnut combinations couldn’t be missed.
Crazy Go Nuts
Some of our favorite made-with-walnuts product packaging has to go to the fun appeal of Crazy Go Nuts’ line of walnut butters and snacks. The entire line was on display at the Expo, from Banana to Chocolate Espresso to Garlic Parmesan. We’re nuts for these delicious flavor pairings.
Mariani Walnutmilk
It was Mariani’s first time at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, and Kristen Holden, senior brand manager, said they were so happy to be back in front of customers again! “As you know,” she said, “California walnuts are making their way into everyday consumption. We continue to push innovative ways for retailers to sell our products (displays, new package sizes, etc.).”
Nature’s Garden
In this Keto Deluxe Mix, walnuts are blended with dried cheddar cheese, pepitas and reduced-sugar cranberries for 7 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, 2 grams of sugar and 680 milligrams of omega-3 per serving. Keto is proudly displayed in the largest font on this packaging, along with the keto certification stamp.
MOR Snacks
Walnuts, fruit and cheese combined with no added sugars or preservatives are what make MOR Snacks unique. Dubbed an “ultimate lifestyle snack,” the bags are designed to get customers outside and active.
Blue Moose Sweet Shoppe
Gift giving was a hot topic on the show floor, and this two-pound gift box from Blue Moose Sweet Shoppe gives fudge lovers something to wax nostalgic about. The Nut Lovers Combination Gift Box includes two made-with-walnuts confections: Belgian Chocolate Walnut Fudge and Maple Walnut Fudge.
Trophy Nut Company, Nature’s Eats: Trail Mixes
It wouldn’t be a snack Expo without a large helping of various trail mixes, and these three each brought something unique to the table. Nature’s Eats’ packaging with “ENERGY” brightly displayed includes 3 grams of plant protein per serving, and the mix is non-GMO and gluten-free. Trophy Nut Company Trail Mix’s packaging is what caught our eye the most, in a “bar-like” wrapper instead of the traditional bag. Walnuts lead the charge in this mix, along with pineapple, papaya, raisins and cranberries.
